Time ticked by, Hila remained silent in thought, while Han Xiao, unhurried, waited for her reply with a smile on his face.
After a long while, Hila slowly exhaled.
I choose independence.
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. "In that case, I'll have Sylvia..."
Before she could finish speaking, Hila added, "But not now."
Han Xiao's face twitched. Looking at her teasing gaze, he felt both helpless and amused.
You little punk, you dare flirt with me?
You always leave things unsaid; why don't you write a book?
Hila sighed, rarely speaking from the heart.
"I used to lack a sense of security and always wanted to catch up with you, so my only goal was to become stronger and stronger until I had enough power to protect myself. Now I have finally become Beyond Grade A, which is enough to protect myself in most situations. But I haven't decided what to do next. I might as well stay in the legion for now. If I change my mind later, we'll talk about it then."
On her way back, Hila had pondered this question: what to do after mastering Beyond Grade A power? She had no clue.
In recent years, Hela has spent most of her time fighting in order to improve her strength, and has not had time to properly appreciate the scenery of the universe. At least for now, Hila does not have the mood or ambition to build her own power.
Moreover, looking back on her journey, Han Xiao had provided her with so much help. Without his introduction, Ames would never have taken her as a student, and she didn't know when she would be able to become Beyond Grade A.
Having received so much help from Han Xiao all this time, she owed him a huge debt of gratitude, yet her own repayment was incredibly meager. She felt embarrassed to become independent as soon as she became Beyond Grade A, and her strong-willed personality made her unwilling to continue owing favors.
Back then, Black Star did become Beyond Grade A and then set up his own faction, but he made a huge contribution to Dragon Calm and deserved that title. Hila felt that her contributions to the Legion were far less than Han Xiao's contributions to Dragon Calm, so she was embarrassed to follow Han Xiao's example.
Most importantly, Hila knows how to kill and how to fight, but she doesn't know how to build and manage a force, nor does she want to spend her energy on it—in this respect, she inherited Ames ' "talent." She would rather use that time to consolidate her own power and is not currently interested in a force.
In her view, with her combat strength and close relationship with Han Xiao, she was second only to one person in the Black Star Army. If she wanted to use power, staying in the well-established Black Star Army was better than going through the trouble of building a new organization... Moreover, the Black Star Army was now the leading private organization in the Shattered Star Ring, and it was no longer suitable to build a new Beyond Grade A force, as it wouldn't be able to obtain many resources.
After hearing Hila's explanation, Han Xiao laughed heartily:
"Alright, then you can stay with the Black Star Army for now. My promise remains valid. If you ever decide to go independent, I will still provide assistance."
"Yes." Hila nodded.
"You're already Beyond Grade A, so it's no longer appropriate for you to remain my personal guard. Therefore, I formally appoint you as the Deputy Commander of the Black Star Army, second only to me and above Lagi. You will participate in the highest decision-making of the Legion's affairs, and your daily management authority will cover branch armed forces, resource mining, mercenary coordination, and more. You will be able to command a portion of the Legion's fleet, while also serving as the nominal commander of the personal guard, without actually performing the duties of a guard."
With just a few words, Han Xiao promoted Hila and gave her considerable real power.
After all, their status has changed. Even if Hila herself doesn't need the power, he still has to give it to her. On one hand, it shows that he values Hila and highlights the relationship between Hila and the Legion. On the other hand, it's to give an explanation to the outside world and prove that he abides by the industry rules.
Han Xiao was in a good mood after leaving Hila behind.
He considered various possible outcomes, and Hila's choice to stay was the best one.
This is the first Beyond Grade A cadre the legion has ever had, a qualitative change. Whether a force has one or two Beyond Grade A cadres is a completely different concept.
Originally, I was the only pillar of the legion, but now with Hila, she can share a lot of the burden with me, and it will also help the legion expand its influence... Han Xiao thought to himself.
"Deputy Legion Commander? Whatever." Hila didn't seem to care much about titles. She suddenly placed her hands on the edge of the table, leaned forward, and stared intently. "We can talk about these things later. I have a request... fight me."
"Okay," Han Xiao agreed, "But not today. You just got back to headquarters, rest for a while first, spend more time with your sister, and I have some chores to take care of. In a few days, I'll beat you up... cough cough, have a fight with you."
"OK."
Hila nodded, suppressing her eagerness. Ever since reaching Beyond Grade A, she had always wanted to see just how big the gap was between the two of them.
After chatting for a few more minutes, Hila left the room to talk to Aurora. The two sisters hadn't seen each other for many years and had so much to say.
Watching Hila leave, Han Xiao smiled inwardly. Just as he was about to draft the appointment letter, his communicator suddenly rang.
I glanced at it and saw that it was a call from Urranrell.
The Empire is probably contacting me now because of Hila... Han Xiao's eyes flashed, and after thinking for a moment, he answered the call.
"Your Excellency, what brings you to call me amidst your busy schedule?" Han Xiao asked with a smile as Urranrell's image appeared on the screen.
"I heard that one of your cadres has become a freshman Beyond Grade A, congratulations." Urranrell nodded.
"Haha, her name is Hila. She's not only one of my officers, but also an old friend. She and I... Oh, I almost forgot, you guys definitely have her information." Han Xiao raised an eyebrow and said, pretending to be knowledgeable.
"Hmm, have you talked to Hila?"
"You've come at the perfect time; I just finished talking to her."
"So what was the result? What are her plans?"
"She finds it troublesome and doesn't want to build her own power base for the time being, so she's decided to continue relying on me and serving as my right-hand woman."
"I see..." Urranrell paused, pondered for a moment, and slowly said, "I have a favor to ask of you."
"You say."
"If possible, I hope you can persuade Hila to join the Empire."
Just as I expected... Han Xiao smiled without saying a word; he had anticipated this.
Because of his relationship with Hila, the Empire felt there was a high probability of gaining a new Beyond Grade A ally, so they approached him directly, taking the initiative to strengthen their Beyond Grade A team.
Seeing that Han Xiao didn't reply, Urranrell couldn't help but ask, "What do you think? Do you have any ideas?"
"No problem, I'll try my best to persuade her, but I can't guarantee success." Han Xiao remained noncommittal.
"I understand." Urranrell nodded; she wouldn't force her.
At this moment, Han Xiao changed the subject and said:
"Oh, right, since you contacted me, I have something to report to you. Didn't you ask me to maintain order in the Shattered Star Ring? I have an idea that I can use this opportunity to put into practice, but it's going to be quite a big deal, so I need the Empire's support."
Tell me about it.
Han Xiao slowly said, "Because of the Shattered World, Beyond Grade A beings from various star regions have gathered in the Shattered Star Ring. At least 90% of the Beyond Grade A beings in the entire universe have come. In that case, I'll take the lead and invite these people to gather together for a large-scale gathering of all Beyond Grade A in the universe. I'll ask everyone to come and talk, and reach a consensus with them once and for all: not to cause trouble in the Shattered Star Ring."
Upon hearing this, Urranrell immediately began to make plans.
This is practically equivalent to inviting all the Beyond Grade A beings in the entire universe. That's right, the commotion is indeed enormous. These are all iconic figures from various star systems. If successful, it will be enough to create a media frenzy that sweeps across the entire universe.
It might even be recorded in history and become a major event worth commemorating.
As for what benefits Black Star can gain from this, it is obvious. First, it saves energy and solves the problem of star field stability in one go. Whether it is negotiation or showing its strength, it will use various means to make all the foreign Beyond Grade A give up their ideas of causing trouble and wait here quietly for the Shattered World to open.
The second benefit is that if all the Beyond Grade A can be brought together for a meeting, Black Star, as the organizer, will have a significantly increased influence, proving that so many Beyond Grade A are giving him face.
"How confident are you that you can invite everyone?" Urranrell asked thoughtfully.
"Half, I guess."
"Really?" Urranrell asked suspiciously. "Most Beyond Grade A individuals are intelligent. They know very well that accepting your invitation is a way of supporting you and helping you expand your reputation. The people from the Empire are fine, but can you guarantee that the Glory and Arcane people will give you face?"
"I can't guarantee that, but..." Han Xiao chuckled, "I think my connections should still be of some use. As for those I can't get, I'll ask the Empire for help."
"Alright, it's worth a try. I'll have someone cooperate with you." Urranrell thought for a moment, nodded in agreement to the plan, and indicated that he would provide assistance.
"Then I thank the Empire in advance." Han Xiao smiled slightly, then his eyes flashed, and he said, "Besides that, I have something else to say."
"You say."
"I've considered the suggestion regarding the Evolution Cube recently," Han Xiao shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I don't plan to exchange Evolution Cube for anything else for the time being. In fact, I've looked at the list the Empire gave me several times, but there aren't any Universal Treasure that I particularly like. The Empire is very sincere, and I'm very grateful, but unfortunately, I'm not lucky, so I can only express my regret."
Urranrell was silent for a few seconds, then slowly said, "It's alright, we won't force you. If you change your mind, please contact us anytime."
After finishing their conversation, the two chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up.
Han Xiao fiddled with the communicator, recalling their conversation, and nodded to himself.
After much deliberation, he finally decided to reject the Empire's proposal and retain the Evolution Cube.
The Empire wants to acquire ownership of the Evolution Cube and completely control the Evolutionary Totem business, which is exactly what the Empire also wants to control. This is a conflict of interest, and even if the Empire is dissatisfied, it still wants to keep this key business in its own hands.
Relying on others is never as good as relying on yourself. The legion maintains a good relationship with the empire not because of personal connections, but because you are useful to the empire. This is the foundation of the legion.
Refusing to exchange his offer might displease the Empire, but a complete break is impossible... because the Empire still needs him.
Han Xiao first released the plan to gather all Beyond Grade A for a meeting, and only then did he mention the decision regarding the Evolution Cube. This was also a small test—using this project to gauge the Empire's changing attitude.
To control a stake in something, you need to have the corresponding strength. The Empire is indeed a behemoth, but the Black Star Army is now also qualified to claim that stake. With Hila's return, the Legion is even more confident.
The root cause of the suppression by the Glory and the Arcane is the Empire's ban on selling totems to outsiders. But if this ban were lifted one day, would the Glory and the Arcane prefer the Empire to control the totems itself, or would they prefer an external ally to control them? The answer is undoubtedly yes.
--I'd rather have an imperial ally control the profits of the totem than have a competitor control the totem business.
Although the businesses are nominally all under the empire, the distribution of profits is fundamentally different.
"The empire will definitely do some underhanded things behind the scenes; we'll see what they plan to do."
Han Xiao shook his head. Anyway, he would deal with whatever came his way, and counter whatever came his way.
The following day, the Black Star Army publicly announced a personnel appointment.
--Hela, the sixth seat of the Shattered Star Ring, a newly emerged Beyond Grade A who defeated Tolain, and who currently has no Hila, is about to become the vice commander of the Black Star Army.
Instead of starting his own faction, he continued to serve the Black Star Army!
Numerous forces are closely monitoring the situation, and the news sent shockwaves through the entire star system!
Everyone knows that with two Beyond Grade A experts in one of the Black Star Army, its influence is bound to surge.
Although Black Star alone could easily defeat multiple ordinary Beyond Grade A, for interstellar citizens across the entire universe, the feeling of leading a team with a single core versus leading with a dual core is worlds apart.
Many forces with ulterior motives hoped for Hila to split up, but things didn't go as they imagined, leaving them greatly disappointed and frustrated.
A Beyond Grade A character, actually succumbing to Black Star's tyranny and working for him?
Can't you have some backbone?!
Why don't you learn from your predecessors? You're not going to work for someone else; you should start your own business!
Damn it, I have to find a way to break them up!
For the members and collaborators of the Black Star Army, this was undoubtedly fantastic news.
The entire Legion was thrilled to learn that Hila had stayed!
With a Beyond Grade A backer at home, their confidence has soared. The legion members have even started walking with an arrogant gait lately, adopting a self-taught, swaggering stride that makes them seem like they don't recognize anyone.
The effects were quickly apparent, as the Legion became increasingly attractive to top talent.
Seeing that Han Xiao seemed to have actually cultivated a Beyond Grade A, many superhumans couldn't sit still and started to have their own ideas. Among them, some neutral Beyond Grade A Seed were the most swayed, as becoming Beyond Grade A was a fatal attraction for them.
Hadavy is always especially happy at this time.
--I was right to have foresight. I abandoned my pride early on, joined the Black Star Army, and became a veteran. Now, when these guys join, they'll all have to be my underlings!
It feels so good to throw away my morals!
Somewhere in the Shattered Star Ring, the Arcane Church fleet.
The main ship's conference room was filled with projections of Arcane Beyond Grade A allies, with only Tolain sitting in the middle as a real person, making the scene resemble a three-way trial.
"... You mean, Hila's power is exceptionally lethal to living beings, and when it erupted, it severely injured you with a single blow?"
"Yes, it hurts terribly, and it also damages my mental health; I'll need to recover for at least a few years," Tolain through gritted teeth.
Tolain was furious after losing to Hila. He felt like he had been brimming with confidence in his lane, only to be solo-killed.
Moreover, not only did he lose, but he also suffered irreparable trauma, mainly a severe mental blow that requires slow recovery. Until he recovers, Tolain's control over magic will be compromised, and his strength will not be able to reach its peak level.
He couldn't swallow this bitter pill. He rested for a few days and today contacted other people to report on Hila's abilities.
Kasuyi slowly shook his head. "The Black Star Army has gained a new Beyond Grade A with extraordinary potential, and its power has grown once again."
Upon hearing this, many people present looked worried.
Of the three cosmic-level civilizations, the one least wants the Black Star Army to grow stronger is the Arcane Church. After all, they suffered such a great loss in the Battle of Lighthouse Star, and many of those present have already formed a grudge against the Black Star Army.
Just then, the Sun Hunter glanced at his communicator and exclaimed, "Black Star sent me a message."
"What did he say?" Kasuyi turned to look.
"Uh, he invited us to visit him..." The Sun Hunter's tone turned strange.
"Us?"
"Yes, he invited... all the Beyond Grade A members of the Arcane Church."
Upon hearing this, everyone present except for Kasuyi changed their expressions, filled with surprise and confusion.
Invite all the top combatants of the Arcane Church?
What is Black Star doing? Does he want to get ganged up on?!
--If it were anyone else, they would think he was courting death, but since it was Black Star, everyone present believed that he was just asking for trouble in the literal sense.